Method and apparatus for personalized content-sharing and gifting via a communication medium

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes one or more apparatuses and methods to allow users to generate a greeting card by defining a theme, a personalized message, content, and optionally a gift.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. NonProvisional application Ser. No. 12/368,262, filed Feb. 9, 2009, titled“METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERSONALIZED CONTENT-SHARING AND GIFTING VIA ACOMMUNICATION MEDIUM,” and Provisional Patent Application No.61/027,398, filed Feb. 8, 2008 and entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORPERSONALIZED CONTENT-SHARING AND GIFTING VIA A COMMUNICATION MEDIUM/’the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to the field of computer technology. Morespecifically, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus forpersonalized content-sharing and distribution using a greeting card, forproviding users with an ability to attach an electronic gift card to apurchase, and/or to attach a gift, whether digital or physical to acard, and for using a greeting card to make content and e-commerceentities available to a user.

BACKGROUND

The world of the Internet is changing rapidly. Users have becomeincreasingly comfortable with making a significant percentage of theirpurchases online. Everything from automobiles to groceries can now beeasily purchased over the Internet, and users have responded to thisbroad availability by making more frequent online purchases. Accordingto Netpop Research, consumers cite convenience, efficiency, timeManagement, better prices, broader selection, price comparisons and theability to avoid crowds as primary motivations for shopping online.Consumers are able to use websites such as Shopzilla, Shopping.com andNexTag to compare product prices and ensure they find the best possibledeal.

As part of this growing consumer confidence, spending on digital retailwill see tremendous growth in the coming years. It is estimated that in2007 consumer digital spending will total $300 million. In 2008, thenumber will double to $600 million. Research firm Screen Digest recentlyforecast that by 2011, digital downloads will generate $1.3 billion inannual revenue. As this kind of spending gains mainstream acceptance,consumers will increasingly purchase digital files of music, books,photos and movies. While digital movie downloads generated a trifling$20 million in 2006, eMarketer conservatively estimates that moviedownloads will reach $846 million by 2011. Parks Associates projectsrevenue to be in the range of $1.8 billion.

In addition and over the past years, there has been a remarkabletransformation in the kind of content available online. Video in bothshort form and long form is now readily available through multipleportals and platforms Innovation and technological advances haveprovided Internet users with the proper connection speeds and power tomake online video a reality, and have enabled users to share anddistribute content within their own specific social networks in a mannerthey find unique and compelling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure address shortcomings in the priorart and provide a method and apparatus to allow a user to generate agreeting card having a theme and comprising a personalized message andcontent, and optionally a gift, all of which are independently selectedby the user. In accordance with one or more embodiments, components ofthe greeting card allow a greeting card recipient to access e-commerceand content identified during generation of the greeting card.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a greeting card generationapparatus comprises a greeting card generation engine configured toallow a user to generate a greeting card. The greeting card generationengine allows the user to identify a theme for the greeting card,include a personalized message, identify content that is to be a part ofthe greeting card, and optionally associate one or more gifts, orinformation associated with the one or more gifts, to the greeting card.By way of some non-limiting examples, associated information can be anadvertisement, coupon, etc.

In yet other embodiments, a greeting card generation method comprisessteps to make a user interface available to a user computing device, theuser interface comprising at least one display that allows the user toidentify a theme for a greeting card, include a personalized message forthe greeting card, identify content that is to be a part of the greetingcard, and to optionally associate one or more gifts, or informationassociated with the one or more gifts, to the greeting card.

Embodiments of the present disclosure allow users to generate a greetingcard by defining a theme, a personalized message, content, andoptionally a gift. By virtue of this arrangement, a greeting card can beused as a conduit for content sharing, which can be personalized andcustomized according to user preferences.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a greeting card can includeone or more advertisements that are relevant to the greeting cardcontents. By way of a non-limiting example, an advertisement can beincluded with a greeting card that is relevant to the content, theme,and/or gift portions of the greeting card.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the content, gift and themeselections made in generating a greeting card are independentlyinterchangeable, such that selection of one, e.g., a theme, need notimpact or limit the selection of another, e.g., content and/or gift. Inaccordance with one or more embodiments, gift suggestions can be madeavailable that are relevant to the content selected for the greetingcard.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, agreeting card site and/or greeting card system is provided, whichfundamentally alters the way in which content and gifting elements ofthe Internet exist. By scouring the web, studios and networks for topnotch content and premium gifting, acquiring them, and then fusing thesemultifarious elements side by side in one place at one time, by way of agreeting card, the way in which users interact with these onceindependent elements changes. The greeting card generation site and/orsystem can act as a conduit between online content and online retail andfurthermore function in a bi-directional manner by constantly, or on afrequent basis, reminding the user of the origin of gifting and contentelements used in their greeting cards and existing within the greetingcard system.

Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an abilityto distribute and/or share content and to take advantage of content ofwhatever kind, e.g., audio, video, multimedia, etc., that may beaccessible or available from a source, e.g., online, studio, or othercontent provider or source, or otherwise communicable via an electronicmedia.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides an example of an interface that can be used to generatea greeting card in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides an example of a player interface to view a greeting cardin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bidirectional aspect of a greeting card system inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a general overview of a theme component as a stylizedcontainer for content and gift components in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure

FIG. 5 provides an example of a general-purpose computer environment foruse in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus for personalizing and customizing content sharingand gifting are provided. In the following description numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understandingof the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilledin the art, that the present invention may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known features have not beendescribed in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Furthermore, while embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosedwith reference to a greeting card medium, it should be apparent thatother forms of media are contemplated, including without limitation suchmedia as a newsletter (e.g., advertisement, marketing, etc.), electronicmail message, instant message, electronic/interactive invitation and/orannouncement, listing service posting (e.g., job, rental real estate,personals, time shares, sale, services, etc. listing), press release,survey, petition, interactive gaming and storytelling (content), as wellas other forms of communication or communiques.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a greeting card generationsystem, which includes a greeting card generation engine, is provided,allows a user to generate a greeting card. The greeting card generationsystem allows the user to identify a theme for the greeting card,include a personalized message, identify content that is to be a part ofthe greeting card, and optionally attach one or more gifts to thegreeting card. Examples of gifts or gift types include, withoutlimitation: charitable, coupons, digital downloads, gift cards, physicalitems, subscriptions, and the like.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure,content, gift and theme selections are independently interchangeable,such that selection of one of these components, e.g., a theme, need notimpact or limit the selection of the another component, e.g., contentand/or gift. In addition and in accordance with such embodiments, theuser has the ability to change one of these components of the greetingcard without impacting the other components.

Embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate greeting cardgeneration by providing the user with predefined greeting cardalternatives, which can be grouped or categorized. The user selects acategory and is then presented with theme, gift and content selectionscorresponding to the user's category selection.

Embodiments provide a mechanism via the web that allows users/consumersto select from various content and gifting possibilities during greetingcard generation, and to distribute the greeting card to any number ofrecipients. Examples of methods of distribution of a greeting cardinclude, without limitation, via electronic mail postal or otherdelivery service, instant messaging, satellite/cable/broadcasttransmission. In the latter case, delivery can be made via a set topbox, or other receiver/transmitter of audio and/or video, to atelevision, or other monitor, such that a recipient can interact with agreeting card using the recipient's television.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the greeting card has atheme that provides a stylized container for the greeting card contentand e-commerce components. FIG. 4 provides a general overview of a themecomponent as a stylized container for content and gift components inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

A theme 400 can function as a narrative vehicle that defines aprogression of a greeting card presentation from its inception, e.g., apersonalization selected by the sender, to its conclusion, e.g., giftrevelation, as well as points in between.

The theme 400 can include, without limitation, an artistic style 402,product integration 404, and stylized personalization 406. Theme 400acts as the “container” for the card and specifies a general look andfeel of the greeting card. Theme 400 can define a style for the card.

Examples of categories of themes include, without limitation, consumergoods, entertainment brands, title sequences and art styles. Embodimentsof the present disclosure provide a vast selection of themes, contentand gifts readily available for any occasion. In accordance with suchembodiments, a theme 400, content 412 and gift 414 are independentlyselectable by the user, and the user has an ability to explore variousforms of content and assorted themes via a user interface of thegreeting card generation system. In addition and in accordance with atleast one embodiment, the theme 400 can include unobtrusive advertising,and can provide a mechanism to draw a person's attention to the greetingcard and/or products, or services, advertised in the greeting card, forexample.

The theme 400 can identify the portions of a greeting card at whichcontent 412, e.g., user-selected content, advertisement, etc., is to beexperienced during the greeting card's presentation. The theme 400 canalso identify a point during presentation at which gift 414, and/orhints or other information associated with the gift 414, are to berevealed to the recipient. The stylized presentation 406 can include thepersonalized message provided by the user during generation of thegreeting card, and identify the manner in which the user's personalizedmessage is to be presented as part of the greeting card's presentation.

Content 412 can be a part of the artistic style 402 of the greeting cardand/or can be experienced as a part of a product placement or otherproduct integration during the greeting card's presentation, forexample. Product integration 404 includes without limitation any type ofpresentation associated with a product represented in the greeting card.For example, the theme 400 can include a product integration 404 thatcomprises a representation of a product such as a handheld device that auser typically uses to experience multimedia content, e.g., a Sony PSP®,PlayStation Portable, with the representation appearing to be playingportions of content 412.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mechanismto expose users, e.g., a user that generates the card, a sender, and/ora user that receives the card, a recipient, to advertisements and/ormarketing information, which can be integrated seamlessly into the card.For example, advertisers/marketers can use lower third overlays andother elements integral to the presentation to advertise a product,e.g., a product that compliments the content, and/or the gift,associated with the greeting card. By way of yet another non-limitingexample, an advertisement can be related in some manner to contentexperienced via the greeting card, e.g., an advertisement for sun tanlotion presented while a surfing clip is being experienced, or thegreeting card's theme, e.g., Coca-Cola® theme for the greeting card, caninclude an integrated advertisement.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a coupon can be attached toa greeting card. By way of a non-limiting example, a user can attach acoupon to a greeting card as a gift, e.g., a coupon is attached to acard for three free months at a fitness center or a free drink.

Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a web site to which theuser navigates in order to generate a greeting card. As part of thegreeting card generation, the user can be given an opportunity toattach, or otherwise associate, a gift, whether digital or physical tothe greeting card. In accordance with one or more such embodiments, theuser can be given one or more gifting alternatives, from which the usercan select a gift to be attached to the greeting card. The giftingalternatives can comprise gifts offered by one or more e-commerceentities. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the user remainsat the greeting card web site to attach a gift to the greeting card.

In accordance with one or more such embodiments, the greeting cardsystem reminds the sender, e.g., by way of information displayed in oneor more web pages provided by the system, about the source of the gift,e.g., the e-commerce entity that offers the gift. Furthermore and inaccordance with one or more such embodiments, the sender can be providedwith a link to the e-commerce entity so that the sender has anopportunity to review other offerings, e.g., other gifting options,available from the e-commerce entity.

In accordance with one or more such embodiments, as with the sender, thegreeting card recipient can be provided with reminders, e.g., remindersof the source of content and/or a gift. As is described in more detailbelow with reference to FIG. 2, a greeting card recipient can identify asource of the content or gift associated with a greeting card, and canbe directed, e.g., via a selectable link within the player, to thesource's web site.

As an alternative, one or more embodiments of the present disclosuresupport a white labeling approach, in which a user can generate agreeting card from another web site, e.g., an e-commerce web site. Inaccordance with such an embodiment, the user can access the greetingcard generation system to generate a greeting card from the e-commerceweb site. By way of a non-limiting example, at some stage of a purchasetransaction with an e-commerce web site the user can be given an optionto send a greeting card in connection with a gift being purchasedthrough the e-commerce web site, or an online or brick-and-mortarmerchant.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, content 412 comprisesavailable information, e.g., information that is available inelectronic, e.g., digital form, via the Internet, or web, or othernetwork, or any electronic medium, and can comprise multimedia streamingdata, audio and/or video data, etc. Examples of categories of contentinclude, but are not limited to: film, television, music, stock footage,news, sports, commercials, travel user-generated, how-to, animation,gaming, activism, style and fashion, lifestyle and the like. Examples ofcontent include without limitation a clip from a television show,do-it-yourself tutorial political sound bite, and the like.

In accordance with one or more such embodiments, the greeting cardgeneration system uses pre-existing relationships and arrangements withone or more content providers that permit greeting card users to usesuch content in a greeting card. Other content that can be used ingreeting card generation includes without limitation content supplied bythe user, e.g., one or more slides of a family vacation.

Embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate a content productionmashup capability to generate new, unique content, which can be offeredto greeting card users for inclusion in a greeting card.

In accordance with such embodiments, one or more video, or audio,content portions can be “mixed” with one or more otherwise separateand/or unrelated video, or audio, content portions to create content.The production mashup capability can involve content from one or moresources, or content providers. Of course, any such content productionwould be in keeping with any applicable limitations or restrictions onuse of such content.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the greeting card system canidentify content via a periodic search of the web, e.g., using webcrawler technology. One or more search engines can be used to provide aset of search results comprising such content in response to a user'ssearch query. Use of such content can be subject to any restrictions,e.g., copyright or other legal restrictions.

Content can be made available from any of a number of content providers.Motion picture studios and television networks are non-limiting examplesof content providers. Embodiments of the present disclosure make suchcontent available to users for use in personalizing or customizing agreeting card. For example, using embodiments of the present disclosure,a user can define a card that includes one or more scenes from an oldBogart classic as content for a greeting card; or a greeting card thatincludes one or more “Three Stooges” clips, or other library clips. Useof library clips can revive interest in classics and stimulate a desireto revisit them, e.g., to obtain full feature versions of the classicsbased on a viewing of one or more clips. In accordance with at least oneembodiment, a user can build a card that includes such clips to bepresented to the card's recipient via a player. In accordance with oneor more embodiments, the player includes at least one button thatprovides information about the clip, and can include a mechanism thatdirects the user to an online point of purchase, so that the recipientcan purchase the full version of the content, e.g., a DVD of the movie,television show, etc. By way of non-limiting example, theabove-mentioned player can be player 200 described in more detail belowwith reference to FIG. 2. By way of some non-limiting examples, player200 can include an informational button 208 to obtain information aboutthe clip, as well as content button 204E to be directed to the contentprovider's online point of purchase.

Content that is to be offered to a user for selection during greetingcard generation can include original content, including mashup content.By way of a non-limiting example, content can be created that is gearedspecifically to a greeting card, a user, etc. Even though existing andre-purposed content will present users with a multitude of options,content can be generated that focuses current trends and may be moretimely and up-to-date than previously-generated content.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the mashup capabilityprovides the user with an opportunity to use content provided by onesource in a greeting card and attach a gift that is offered by a sourceother than the content source. In accordance with the open systemapproach used in connection with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the sender and/or recipient can be made aware of each sourceduring card generation, in the case of the sender, and during cardpresentation, in the case of a recipient.

Embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate greeting cardgeneration in connection with a number of models or approaches,including without limitation: free (e.g., ad-supported and/ormarketing-supported) and subscription.

Internet users have become accustomed to consuming online content forfree. For those who do not wish to spend money, at least one embodimentprovides a free service, which offers free cards supported byadvertising, marketing or both. That is and by way of a non-limitingexample, a free greeting card generation service can be provided, whichcan be supported with revenue from an advertisement and/or marketingcomponent included with the greeting card. By way of a non-limitingexample, a user can be given an ability to create a greeting card thatincludes some type of advertisement or marketing component. Arrangementswith the e-commerce entities, e.g., online merchant(s), can definedetails with respect to advertisement revenue, etc. Such arrangementscan include without limitation, a basis for determining the revenuegenerated, e.g., revenue based on cost per number of impressions, costper click, cost per acquisition, etc.

By way of a non-limiting example, advertisements can be immersed as partof the greeting card experience, e.g., while the user is generating thegreeting card and in the greeting card itself, so as to maximizeefficiency and reach. Advantageously, ad immersion can become a part ofthe greeting card presentation rather than an interruption of the userexperience. Embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate use ofadvertisements such as, without limitation, overlay ads relevant to acontent, gift and theme of a given card. In addition to overlay ads,greeting cards can integrate inventive advertising mechanisms within thetheme and content interface that will effectively bridge the gap betweenconsumer and advertiser and increase interactivity.

By way of another non-limiting example, a marketing-supported approachthat can be used to build public awareness of a product or property,might involve a media company that offers content, e.g., a movietrailer, clip from an episode of a show, for selection by a user forinclusion in a greeting card. The user is exposed to the content duringgreeting card generation, and each greeting card recipient is exposed tothe content during the greeting card presentation. Greeting card themescan also be used to provide a marketing ad space. Users are able to usethe site for free and have access to such content, and the content canbe added to a greeting card so that it can be viewed by an audience,e.g., the greeting card sender and/or recipient. In accordance with oneor more such embodiments, a gift, e.g., a gift relevant to the propertybeing marketed, can be associated with a greeting card.

In accordance with such ad/marketing-supported embodiments, an entity,e.g., manufacturer, service provider, entertainment company, mediacompany, studio, network, record company, etc., has an opportunity todistribute advertisement or marketing/promotional content using afamiliar custom of greeting, in the form of a greeting card. Suchcontent can be distributed by the users themselves, in a way that isconsistent with their own personal and social narratives.

In accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure, thegreeting card generation system is provided to users via a subscriptionmodel in which users pay a subscription fee to use the greeting cardgeneration system. In accordance with one or more alternate embodiments,a user can elect to generate an ad-free greeting card using thesubscription service provided by the greeting card generation system.Revenue can be generated through such subscriptions. The subscriptionmodel can provide a different experience level for the subscription userin comparison to that provided to the non-subscription user. Forexample, the subscription user can be given access to premium greetingcards free of advertising, and/or access to exclusive and/or highdefinition content. The subscription service may also provide additionalfeatures over those provided with a non-subscription service, e.g.,unique promotions and gifting discounts.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide access to the greetingcard generation system via a web site that comprises one or more webpages that make a user interface of the greeting card generation systemavailable to the user.

The greeting card generation system can be made available at any pointat which a user has a desire to generate a card. For example and inconnection with one white labeling approach, a user may find contentthat the user considers to be ideal for a greeting card while surfing aweb site that presents video content to the user, e.g., YouTube.Embodiments of the present disclosure allow the user to invoke thegreeting card generation system at such a point, while surfing the web,so that the user has the ability to generate an impromptu greeting card.

For example and in connection with another white-labeling approach usedin connection with one or more embodiments, the greeting card generationsystem can be made available to the user from a web site at which theuser purchased a gift. In accordance with one or more such embodiments,a user is provided with an ability to create a greeting card during, orin connection with, a checkout process of an e-commerce site, onlinemerchant, etc. For example, a user can be presented with an opportunityto add a greeting card during, e.g., toward the completion, of apurchase transaction, to add a greeting card to the purchase.Embodiments contemplate integration of a greeting card generation systemwith an online site or retail location to enhance a user's experience.

In addition to white labeling and as is discussed herein, a user canalso access the greeting card generation system directly, e.g., byaccessing the greeting card generation web site.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable in both domesticand foreign markets. Although gifting preferences may differ from onecountry to the next, use of a greeting card for greeting is consideredto be universal. Embodiments of the present disclosure can establishpreferences, such as greeting card and content preferences, which candiffer among markets, territories, countries, etc.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure include an ability tonotify users of new content, gifts and themes available to the user togenerate a greeting card, e.g., via a newsletter that can be subscribedto by the users. In accordance with one or more such embodiments,content owners and e-retailers may compete to gain a spot in thenewsletter, given the promotional advantage it affords and ability todirectly connect with the greeting card generation user base.

Embodiments of the present disclosure collect data, and mine the datacollected, e.g., to gain knowledge from the historical data, makepredictions to increase revenue and/or cut costs and/or to providedecision support. Data mining and analysis can be used to identify thegoods to be promoted to the customer/user, a probability that a userwill respond to a planned promotion, predict peak network loads,identification of producers of defective goods, as some non-limitingexamples.

Data that can be collected in accordance with embodiments can differbased on the industry/company, and can include without limitation, salesand contacts history, viewing patterns, number of hits, surfingpatterns, demographic information, click stream and transactional data.Data can be used to, for example and without limitation, identify usersconsidered to be the best prospects and retain them as customers,predict cross-selling opportunities and make recommendations, learnparameters that influence trends in sales and margins, and segmentmarkets and personalize communications.

Examples of types of data that can be collected include withoutlimitation data collected from a transaction, data purchased from a datacollection entity, and other data collection, e.g., data collected fromuser surveys. Transaction data can be used to identify a customer's pastbehavior, e.g., what the customer has actually done. Such informationcan be used as a predictor of future behavior.

Transaction data can include without limitation prior purchases ordonations, web page visitations, length of stay at a particular webpage. Purchased data can include without limitation demographic andpsychographic data. Collected data adds information about a customer'sattitudes and opinions, including without limitation customersatisfaction levels, customer preferences, purchase intentions,share-of-wallet information, etc.

As part of greeting card generation, embodiments of the presentdisclosure contemplate offering an array of pre-packaged greeting cards,so as to accommodate users that are not interested in customizing theirown cards. In addition, embodiments provide an interactive interface toallow a user to generate, and personalize, a greeting card. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment, the interactive interface isoffered as a series of web pages displayable by a browser softwareapplication running on a user computer.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the user interface includeswithout limitation stages that allow the user to independently select atheme, personalize a message, select content and optionally select agift for the greeting card. The stages of the interface can be performedin any order. FIG. 1 provides an example of an interface that can beused to generate a greeting card in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

The interface provided in accordance with one or more embodimentsincludes an interface to enable the user to design and review thegreeting card as it is being designed.

The interface 100 includes tabs 102 that allow the user to navigatefreely among the theme selection, personalization, content selection andgift selection stages. The user can view selection options, e.g.,themes, content and gift selections in window 112. Selections madeavailable via window 112 correspond to whichever tab 102 is currentlyselected. For example, the user can view available theme selections byselecting tab 102A. The user can add a personalized message, e.g., apredefined message, or input an ad hoc message for the greeting cardunder the personalize tab 102B. Available content, which can includeuser-generated content, can be viewed and a content selection can bemade by selecting tab 102C. The user can attach a gift to the greetingcard under tab 102D.

In the example interface shown in FIG. 1, the user is also given optionsto navigate to a home page using the home selection 106A, to a previousweb page using the back selection 106B, and to a next web page using thenext selection 106C. The user can view the greeting card, or portions ofthe greeting card selected via icons 104 in view window 110.

As discussed herein, embodiments of the present disclosure contemplateany of a number of delivery mechanisms for a greeting card, includingwithout limitations, email and online platforms, instant messaging, etc.to any of a number of user devices, including, personal computer,portable devices, including mp3 players, cellular phones, smart phones,etc.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a player can be used by agreeting card recipient such as the one shown in FIG. 2. As is discussedin more detail in connection with FIG. 3, player 200 provides amechanism to direct the greeting card recipient back to content ande-commerce entities corresponding to the content and gift selectionsmade by the sender of the greeting card during greeting card generation.

Referring to FIG. 2, player 200 can be selected while the user isviewing a greeting card. Player 200 includes buttons 202 that provideplayback functionality, e.g., audio playback, video playback, or both.Such functionality can include without limitation play, forward,reverse, volume, etc.

Icons 204 provide other functionality associated with a greeting card inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Giftdelivery icon 204D can be used with a gift that is to be physicallydelivered, e.g., a camera. The user selects icon 204D to provide thenecessary delivery information, e.g., shipping name and address.

Music icon 204F can be used in a case that the greeting card includesaudio content, e.g., music track, to direct the user to a destination atwhich the user can purchase the content, and to identify the audiocontent. Similarly, the content icon 204E can direct the user to adestination at which the user can purchase video content, and toidentify the video content. By way of a non-limiting example, thegreeting card can include a clip from a Bogart movie, which entices theuser to want the full feature film. The user can select the content icon204E to access a site at which the user can purchase the movie. A “funstuff’ icon 204C provides access to other products, e.g., products thatcompliment the greeting card. For instance, the icon 204C can be used topurchase a pair of shoes that are worn by an individual in a video clipthat is viewable via the content icon 204E. Other examples of productsaccessible via the “fun stuff” icon 204C include without limitation,merchandise such as T-shirts, bobble heads, other movies, etc.

Icon 204A allows the user to open an email message to send the greetingcard to another recipient. Icon 204B allows the user to input a comment,e.g., a comment on the greeting card, or input survey information.

Download icon 206 allows the user to download a downloadable gift orother downloadable attachment to the greeting card, if and when suchdownloadable component is attached to the card. Information icon 208 canbe used to obtain information about something in the greeting card. Forexample, in an ad-supported greeting card, icon 208 can be used to findout more about the sponsor or a product advertised or highlighted viathe greeting card.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bidirectional aspect of the greeting card system inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.3A illustrates a view from the perspective of a sender. The sender usesthe greeting card generation system to generate greeting card 300, e.g.,by selecting a theme, content, personalized message, and gift usinginterface 100 of FIG. 1. The generated greeting card comprises ane-commerce component 312 corresponding to one or more e-commerceentities 302, and a content 314 that corresponds to one or more contentsources/providers 304. In accordance with one or more embodiments and ina case that an ad-supported or marketing-supported model is used togenerate the greeting card 300, greeting card 300 can include anadvertisement, or marketing, component 316, corresponding to one or moreadvertisers/marketing entities.

FIG. 3B provides a view from the perspective of a recipient of thegreeting card. The greeting card 300 presented to the recipient includesthe e-commerce component 312, content component 314 and optionally theadvertisement component 316 (in a case of a ad/marketing-supportedgeneration model). Using a player, e.g., player 200, the user can accesscomponents 312, 314, 316 of the greeting card 300, which direct therecipient to the original e-commerce, content and advertiser/marketing302, 304, and 306 (respectively) identified during generation of thegreeting card.

By way of a non-limiting example, icon 204F of player 200 can direct therecipient to a destination, e.g., a provider of the content 304corresponding to the content component 314 of the greeting card 300selected by the sender for inclusion in the greeting card 300 using thegreeting card generation system and the user interface shown in FIG. 1.By way of another non-limiting example, icon 204C can be used to directthe recipient to a web site associated with an e-commerce entity 302,such as an e-commerce entity that sells a pair of shoes worn by anindividual in a video clip portion of content 304 that is viewable viathe content icon 204E of player 200 so that the user can find out moreinformation about the shoes and possibly purchase the shoes. By way ofyet another non-limiting example and in connection with an ad-supportedgeneration model icon 208 of player 200 provides access by the recipientto information about an advertised product.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a smart technology aspect.The smart technology can comprise a personal assistant that couples asender's address book and/or calendar to allow the sender to setreminders, and receive notification, before a calendared event, e.g., abirthday, anniversary, or other event. A notification can serve as aprompt for the user to access the greeting card generation system togenerate a card for the occasion identified in the notification.

Another example of smart technology involves a recommender, orrecommendation system. A sender can be given content suggestions basedon prior gift selections, or vice versa. A social recommender canprovide the sender with recommendations based on selections made byother users. By way of a non-limiting example, the sender can beprovided with content selection alternatives identified based on thecontent selected by other users that purchased the gift that the senderpurchased. The smart technology can integrate analytics to suggest giftsbased on a sender profile and/or recipient profile, which profile caninclude historical information, preferences, demographic information,for example. A recommender can suggest content, gifts or themesconsidered to be similar or relevant to content, gifts or themes“browsed” by users.

As yet another example of smart technology that can be used, agift/content wiki provides functionality to showcase unique and creativegift/content combinations and obtain user comments/votes on theshowcased items. The comments and/or votes can be integrated into thegreeting card generation system and highlighted in a user newsletter,for example.

Smart profiles provide another example of smart technology, and allow auser to personalize their profile settings to remember important dates,provide a reminder/notification of specific/important dates. Users canbe notified when their friends send cards to shared peers within asocial network. Users can be provided with an ability to create a wishlist, which can be seen by other users. Users can have the ability tocontrol whether or not other users are permitted to browse their giftand/or card history and wish lists. Demographic information can bemaintained, and can be made available, to friends and family.

Smart technology can provide a mechanism to import information from oneor more applications, such as address book or contact information,calendar information, into the greeting card generation system. Inaddition, a mechanism can be provided to verify and/or synchronize suchinformation.

The following provides examples of greeting cards contemplated forgeneration using a greeting card generation engine in accordance withone or more embodiments.

A clip mix greeting card includes a greeting card in which a user cancreate playlists of content, e.g., video content, such as a playlist ofcontent that relate to a common theme. For example, a user can chooseclips of content and integrate the selected clips together as a videomix to be sent as part of a greeting card to one or more recipients.

A charity, or non-profit card is one in which the gift comprises adonation that is directed to a charity or non-profit organization. Ane-commerce site can be used to offer goods to a charity or non-profitorganization. The consumer can be presented with various levels ofdonations that equate to the caliber of the gift that can be sent, forexample.

A greeting card can comprise an invitation. By way of a non-limitingexample, the user can be presented with themes and content to integrateinto the greeting card, and the greeting card can include a giftregistry or gift wish list. A fortune cookie greeting card can randomlygenerate a message or fortune. A gift element of the card can correlatewith the fortune. For example, the fortune says, “A vacation is in thestars for you”, with a gift being five hundred travel miles to beapplied to a flight.

A riddle greeting card can comprise a card having content in a form of apuzzle, riddle or game. The gift is revealed once the puzzle, e.g.,arcade game, chess, tic-tac-toe, etc. is solved. A dating card canintegrate a dating site into a greeting card. A greeting card caninclude a survey element, to obtain feedback from a user or cardrecipient. For example, a survey element can be attached to a card, andthe user/recipient can be enticed to supply an answer to the survey witha potential to receive something in exchange for their time incompleting a survey.

High end invitations can be generated for high-event business, which caninclude without limitation broadcast quality interactive cards thatwould not only inform and entertain but also retrieve valuableinformation from the guest. Greeting cards can be used as invitations toreal estate open houses. For example, such a greeting card can include afully interactive card with a personal video tour of the property andits surrounding areas. A Webcam invite cards can be used to set up atime for a live web cam session where users that are separated by longdistances can reconnect with loved ones.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, locations can be establishedat which users can digitize and edit content, and/or users can drop offaudio, video, still images to be organized and assembled into digitalphoto books, slideshows, libraries and movies, etc. that could then beused in generating a greeting card.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a theme tool box provides asuite of tools made available to the user to allow the user to create orcustomize a theme. User-generated themes can be shared using a sharewaremodel such that a user is able to showcase and share such themes and bepaid royalties if the user's theme is used in a greeting card.

Physical locations, e.g., kiosks, can be placed in high traffic areassuch as malls where users will be able to generate a greeting card. Agift/content wiki can be provided at a greeting card generation sitethat allows users to comment and/or vote on showcased gifts/content. Aseries of greeting cards can be generated and sent to a recipient suchthat the card recipient is given a gag gift eventually followed by theactual gift. A random gift selection can be provided as a feature withwhich a sender is prompted to choose a dollar amount and a couplecharacteristics about the person receiving the card. Based on the dollaramount and traits, several gifting possibilities will be generatedgiving the receiver options to choose from. A gag gift might be addedamong the choices.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure,greeting cards can provide a linear experience, e.g., the greeting cardis presented in a linear manner from a starting point to an endingpoint. In accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, alinear greeting card can be customized by the sender, e.g., the sendercan provide theme, personalized message, content and giftselections/input.

In accordance with one or more alternate embodiments, a greeting cardcan provide a non-linear interactive experience. Within the pathsinherent in such a non-linear interactive greeting card, there existpossibilities of personalization, customizable content, customizablegift and/or gift registry, as well as places for advertisement,marketing, product integration and/or corporate sponsorship. Duringcreation of such a card, the sender can be presented with an opportunityto personalize and customize various portions of the card experience.

Upon receipt of an interactive card, the recipient is able to selectfrom multiple paths in order to experience the environment personalizedby the sender. The recipient is able to choose certain portions of thegreeting card before other portions, thereby allowing the recipient toexperience the interactive card in a non-linear manner.

Thus and in accordance with one or more such embodiments, presentationof a greeting card can be an interactive experience that is to somedegree controllable by the recipient. By way of a non-limiting example,the greeting card can provide a personalized thematic website filledwith content, information and gift(s), which the recipient can browseand select. An interactive greeting card can present the recipient withan initial display that presents the recipient with multiple paths thatcan be selected by the recipient. The recipient interacts with thegreeting card by selecting one or more of the paths. Selection of onepath can result in one experience for the recipient, while selection ofanother path can result in a different experience. Furthermore,selection of a given path can result in additional selections being madeavailable to the recipient.

By way of a non-limiting example, a sender can create an interactiveinvitation greeting card that incorporates themes of a favoritetelevision show, such as an interactive greeting card with a Sponge Bobrelated theme and/or design. During creation of such a card, the sendercan be presented with an opportunity to personalize and customizevarious portions of the card experience. Such portions of the card caninclude without limitation elements of Sponge Bob's home environmentwhere the user can create a personalized invitation, a gift registry,choose from among several different Sponge Bob marketing opportunities,and upload personal user-generated content which can be related to theinvitation or theme of the interactive experience in general. Uponreceipt of the Sponge Bob interactive card, the recipient is able toselect from the multiple paths as personalized by the sender, andexperience the card in a non-linear manner. As a non-linear experience,the recipient can choose to view certain portions of the experiencebefore others, such as the gift registry first followed by theuser-generated content, the recipient can choose to experience themarketing slot before the gifting or personalized message, etc.

The following a description of a general-purpose computer environmentthat may be utilized to implement various portions of the invention.Such general-purpose computer can comprise a personal computer, aserver, a handheld device, appliance, etc.

Embodiment of General Purpose Computer Environment

An embodiment of the invention can be implemented as computer softwarein the form of computer readable program code executed on one or moregeneral-purpose computers such as the computer 500 illustrated in FIG.5. A keyboard 510 and mouse 511 are coupled to a bi-directional systembus 518 (e.g., PCI, ISA or other similar architecture). The keyboard andmouse are for introducing user input to the computer system andcommunicating that user input to central processing unit (CPU) 513.Other suitable input devices may be used in addition to, or in place of,the mouse 511 and keyboard 510. 1/O (input/output) unit 519 coupled tobi-directional system bus 518 represents possible output devices such asa printer or an A/V (audio/video) device.

Computer 500 includes video memory 514, main memory 515, mass storage512, and communication interface 520. All these devices are coupled to abi-directional system bus 518 along with keyboard 510, mouse 511 and CPU513. The mass storage 512 may include fixed and/or removable media, suchas magnetic, optical or magnetic optical storage systems or any otheravailable mass storage technology. The system bus 518 provides a meansfor addressing video memory 514 or main memory 515. The system bus 518also provides a mechanism for the CPU to transfer data between and amongthe components, such as main memory 515, video memory 514 and massstorage 512.

In one embodiment of the invention, the CPU 513 is a microprocessormanufactured by Motorola, such as the 680XO processor, an Intelprocessor, and the like. However, any other suitable processor orcomputer now known or later developed may be utilized. Video memory 514is a dual ported video random access memory. One port of the videomemory 514 is coupled to video accelerator 516. The video acceleratordevice 516 is used to drive a CRT (cathode ray tube), and LCD (LiquidCrystal Display), or TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) monitor 517. The videoaccelerator 516 is well known in the art and may be implemented by anysuitable apparatus. This circuitry converts pixel data stored in videomemory 514 to a signal suitable for use by monitor 517. The monitor 517is a type of monitor suitable for displaying graphic images.

The computer 500 may also include a communication interface 520 coupledto the system bus 518. The communication interface 520 provides atwo-way data communication coupling via a network link 521 to a network522. For example, if the communication interface 520 is a modem, thecommunication interface 520 provides a data communication connection toa corresponding type of telephone line, which comprises part of anetwork link 521. If the communication interface 520 is a NetworkInterface Card (NIC), communication interface 520 provides a datacommunication connection via a network link 521 to a compatible network.Physical network links can include Ethernet, wireless, fiber optic, andcable television type links. In any such implementation, communicationinterface 520 sends and receives electrical electromagnetic or opticalsignals which carry digital data streams representing various types ofinformation.

The network link 521 typically provides data communication through oneor more networks to other data devices. For example, network link 521may provide a connection through local network 522 to a host computer523 or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP)524. ISP 524 in turn provides data communication services through theworldwide packet data communication network now commonly referred to asthe Internet 525. Local network 522 and Internet 525 both use electricalelectromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams tofiles. The signals through the various networks and the signals onnetwork link 521 and through communication interface 520, which carrythe digital data to and from computer 500, are exemplary forms ofcarrier waves for transporting the digital information.

The computer 500 can send messages and receive data, including programcode, through the network(s), network link 521, and communicationinterface 520. In the Internet example, server 526 might transmit arequested code for an application program through Internet 525, ISP 524,local network 522 and communication interface 520.

In one embodiment of the invention a thin-client device is configured tointerface with the computer system described above via a computernetwork. In other instances (e.g., when a smart mobile device isutilized) some or all of the components discussed above are incorporatedinto the device. It will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the artthat the computer systems described above are for purposes of exampleonly. An embodiment of the invention may be implemented in any type ofcomputer system or programming or processing environment.

For the purposes of this disclosure a computer readable medium storescomputer data, which data can include computer program code executableby a computer, in machine readable form. By way of example, and notlimitation, a computer readable medium may comprise computer storagemedia and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatileand non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM,ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology,CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetictape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium which can be used to store the desired information andwhich can be accessed by the computer.

Thus, a method and apparatus for generating a greeting card has beendescribed. Particular embodiments described herein are illustrative onlyand should not limit the present invention thereby. The claims and theirfull scope of equivalents define the invention.

1. A method to facilitate an interaction platform for sales leadgeneration comprising: A. providing a network; B. providing a hostcomputer system wherein said host computer is connected to said networkwherein said host computer provides a platform for one or more productrecommendation provider to provide one or more product recommendation toone or more product recommendation receiver; C. having said productrecommendation provider to send an electronic greeting card via saidplatform to said product recommendation receiver; D. further having saidproduct recommendation provider to include said one or more productrecommendation in said electronic greeting card.
 2. The method of claim1 wherein said product recommendation provider selects said one or moreproduct recommendation from said platform.
 3. The method of claim 2wherein said one or more product recommendation are from one or moremerchants in said platform.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein saidproduct recommendation provider further selects a theme for saidelectronic greeting card.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein said one ormore product recommendation is relevant to said theme.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said one or more product recommendation is a productcoupon.
 7. The method of claim 1 further having said productrecommendation provider to include content to said electronic greetingcard.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein said content is provided bycontent providers in said platform.